Early 'candidates' not campaigning prematurely

CEBU, Philippines - Anyone who has expressed intention to run for a post in 2013 cannot be considered engaging in premature campaigning, said Lionel Castillano of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Castillano, Comelec provincial supervisor for Cebu, said that technically, any statement pertaining to a plan to run for office cannot be premature campaigning because these people are not official candidates yet.

“Di pa man na sila official nga kandidato so di gyud na matawag nga premature campaigning,” Castillano told The FREEMAN.

The Comelec, in its Resolution No. 9385 promulgated last April 3, 2012, has designated October 1 to 5 as the period to file certificates of candidacy for all elective positions.

In the same Resolution, the Comelec designated March 29 to May 11 as the campaign period for candidates for house representatives, elective regional, provincial, city and municipal officials.

It has been observed that those who seek for a national post have already started “courting” voters.

For example, Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, former Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and San Juan Rep. Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito have visited Cebu reportedly to gain exposure. Gatchalian, Abante and de Venecia already went on public about their intention to run as senator.

This coming Saturday, NBE-ZTN whistleblower Joey de Venecia, son of former House speaker Jose de Venecia, will also be here.

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III who is expected to be in Cebu on Friday is most likely to be joined by cabinet officials who may also seek a national post.

Reports reached The FREEMAN that Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon who ran for senator during the 2010 elections will also be here on the same day. — (FREEMAN)